For rest and rejuvenation in the beauty of Canada

Ebony Escapes!

The founder of Kinipi Spa fashioned it after the Zen ambiance he experienced when traveling in Bali
Lysa Allman-Baldwin photo

If I’m lucky, when at home, I can find time to schedule a massage about once every two months. After sitting at the computer most of the day, working out and running around with the regular life stuff, I really need it—physically and mentally. So I was thrilled to be invited to participate in a spa-themed travel writing trip to enjoy four spas in as many days. And to sweeten the pot, they were all located in Canada in the province of Quebec, encompassing 20 tourist regions.

If you’ve never been to the Quebec region, you absolutely must add it to your travel destination list! From its vibrant metropolitan cities to its quaint towns, diverse geographic landscape, and warm and welcoming people, it is a truly captivating part of Canada as well as North America.

Authentic Quebec

On this visit, our exploration of the province involved the Lanaudiere region, which, along with the Mauricie region, is often referred to as “Authentic Quebec.”

Our first spa stop was Kinipi Spa & Bains Nordiques in the charming town of Trois-Rivieres (which means “Three Rivers”), located only 90 minutes from both Quebec City and Montreal, which are to the east and west respectively.

Derived from the Native American Algonquin tribe language, “Kinipi” (pronounced Kee-KNEEE-Pee) means “Your Water” and “Bains Nordiques” (pronounced Noor-deeks), means “Nordic Bath.” The “rules” here were very simple: Unplug, unwind, enjoy the silence and rejuvenate. And once you see the environment, you’ll know exactly why.

Opening a little over two years ago, it was founded by a former industrialist who appreciated the Zen ambiance he had experienced in Bali. From that, he recognized the benefits that a meditative ambiance centered around water and restorative body treatments could have on those around him. The result is an amazing, 19,000-square-foot, primarily alfresco spa haven that soothes the body, mind and spirit.

The three log cabin-style buildings on the property are fashioned in a U-shape, offering a sense of unity with each other and the surrounding woodsy ambiance. Inside, guests will find expansive men’s and women’s locker rooms, a dry Nordic sauna, a eucalyptus steam room, relaxation alcoves and an upscale restaurant.

Outside, you will find several upper- and lower-level leisure areas complete with comfortable Adirondack chairs, chaises lounges and footrests. One is located on a semi-circular outdoor patio with a fire pit, another under a pergola backing up to the awe-inspiring Canadian woods.

After checking in, donning your hooded, full-length terry cloth robe and grabbing the provided oversized bath towel and water bottle, the suggested “itinerary” is to spend about 10 minutes in one of the 104-degree hot spas, followed by the eucalyptus steam room, to open your pores and release the toxins in the body, then (as long as you can stand it!) one of the 39-degree cold plunges to close the pores.

Each of the spas offer plenty of places to rest, such as on underwater ledges, behind waterfalls, next to massive boulders and beside the beautiful landscaping elements. In the winter, the patio and pool ramps here are heated, allowing you to move comfortably between each element.